May 3, 2012 – The New York Islanders hockey team may never play another game at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, New York due to lingering asbestos problems found in the stadium. An investigation of the coliseum has been underway since March 30 when more than 75 workers filed lawsuits claiming the building contained asbestos. Nassau County officials never did an asbestos abatement of the coliseum, which was built in 1972, at the peak of America’s obsession with asbestos. County officials have deemed the building safe, but lab tests say otherwise.
Officials have reported that only small amounts of asbestos were found in the building and only in areas that are off limits to the general public; however, lab results show that an outdated fireproofing asbestos material was found in the hallways, catwalks and some seating sections. Asbestos materials such as these can cause mesothelioma and other serious asbestos-related diseases. Experts continue to say that no amount of asbestos in the air is safe.
New York Islanders Will Move to Brooklyn
If the asbestos abatement process is not finished by the end of the summer or if the health risk continues and forces county officials to close the arena, the team has plans to move to the soon-to-be finished Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New York, at least temporarily. A deal with the NHL requires the Islanders to play on Long Island. The Barclay Center located in Brooklyn, NY, is on the western tip of Long Island. A move forced by the asbestos hazard at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum would keep the team from taking on debt to build a new facility and may help them find a way to get out of the team’s current lease which expires in 2015.
Call Our Pennsylvania Asbestos Attorneys Today
The Pennsylvania asbestos attorneys at the Shein Law in Philadelphia specialize in representing individuals and their families affected by asbestos-related diseases and deaths. Our asbestos attorneys have many years of experience and knowledge to support you and your loved ones who may have been exposed to asbestos products. We stay informed on the latest developments in mesothelioma treatments and litigation and utilize all information available to assist you in every way possible. Contact our Pennsylvania asbestos attorneys today at 1-877-SheinLaw (1-877-743-4652) or contact us online to get the help you need.